Opening a bubble tea shop in the UK typically costs £50,000–£120,000 independently, takes three to six months from lease to launch, and lives or dies on footfall, drink consistency and speed of service.
1. Decide on your model
A high-street shop, a kiosk in a shopping centre, a stall, or a mobile catering unit. Kiosks and mobile units cut fit-out costs dramatically and are the fastest way to test demand. Compare the routes in franchise vs your own shop.
2. Budget realistically
Premises and fit-out £30,000–£90,000, equipment (sealer, shaker, tea brewers, fridges, ice machine) £8,000–£20,000, opening stock £2,000–£5,000, plus working capital for the first six months. Full breakdown on our franchise cost page.
3. Lock down supply
Tapioca pearls, popping boba, syrups, powders, cups and sealing film all need a reliable trade source with consistent lead times. We supply independents through our UK wholesale account.
4. Build a tight menu
Twelve to sixteen drinks beats forty. Classic milk tea, brown sugar, taro, matcha, mango and passionfruit cover most demand. Consistency matters more than variety.
5. Train for speed
Ninety seconds a drink at peak is the target. Our one-day bubble tea training covers pearl cooking, ratios, sealing and queue flow.
6. Licences and compliance
Register with your local authority at least 28 days before trading, complete food hygiene training, write your HACCP plan, and arrange public liability insurance.
7. Launch
Google Business Profile, TikTok and Instagram from day one, plus a soft launch week with a discount to build reviews before full opening.
Want the shortcut? Our franchise partners get the recipes, supply chain, training and launch marketing as one package. Talk to us.
People also ask
- What does a bubble tea franchise cost?
- Our all-in figure is £78,000 covering fit-out, equipment, opening stock, training and launch support. Read the full answer
- Can you train to make bubble tea professionally?
- Yes — a hands-on day in London or an online course covering brewing, pearls, costing and menu build. Read the full answer
- Where do shops buy boba supplies?
- Through wholesale suppliers; we ship pearls, syrups and powders across the UK and Europe. Read the full answer
- What are the bubbles in bubble tea made of?
- Tapioca pearls: cassava starch, water and brown sugar. The name itself comes from the foam on a shaken tea. Read the full answer
Building a boba business?
Our hands-on bubble tea training in London covers drink prep, machines, costing and menu build, taught by the team running our Fulham bar every day.
